An-Najah News - The UNRWA in the Near East announced that internationally-recognized singer, composer, and producer Omar Kamal will be lending his voice to support Palestine refugees across the Middle East.

The partnership, Kamal, who originally hails from the city of Nablus in the occupied Palestinian territory, will serve as UNRWA Advocate said in a press release.

It said the pianist and vocalist will share stories of Palestine refugees and launch his own crowdfunding campaign to support the Agency’s programs for 5.7 million registered refugees in Gaza, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, and the West Bank (including East Jerusalem).

“This is for Palestinian refugees in the camps and for Palestinians all over the world. 

Kamal said I'm very honored to be able to contribute in every way possible to their livelihood and best interest, especially given their worsened conditions due to COVID-19”.

Like many vulnerable communities worldwide, the COVID-19 pandemic has pushed countless more Palestine refugees into extreme insecurity. 

A recent study by the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics found on average 42 percent of Palestinian households (46 percent in the West Bank and 38 percent in the Gaza Strip) reported their income declined to half or more during the lockdown period from 5-25 March. 

Additionally, 63 percent of Palestinian households report they will have to resort to credit or borrowing funds in order to cover normal household items, including food.